OVERSEER 6.2’s new irrigation module now live through the new OVERSEER website
OVERSEER 6.2 went live last night after a month-long OVERSEER road show that attracted hundreds of farmers and farm
advisers willing to learn how to use the new irrigation module.
Full technical notes and the updated Data Input Standards have been released with OVERSEER 6.2 through a brand new
website and OVERSEER’s General Manager Dr Caroline Read says users have everything they need to get up to speed.
“We’ve been working with IrrigationNZ since the start of the year to forewarn irrigators that OVERSEER 6.2 would be
launched this month. Regional councils in popular irrigation areas have also been getting the message out. Farmers and
growers can now work with their advisers to make sure their OVERSEER data is in line with what the new irrigation module
requires,” says Dr Read.
OVERSEER 6.2 may result in increased nitrate loss estimates for some irrigated properties due to more accurate modelling
but IrrigationNZ says this is not as bad as it sounds.
“Having the ability to model specific irrigation practices will dramatically improve OVERSEER’s predictions of nitrate
loss for irrigated properties. So while you may see some upwards movement immediately, more realistic modelling will
reward irrigators who modernise and improve irrigation practice,” says IrrigationNZ CEO Andrew Curtis.
“IrrigationNZ and OVERSEER have been working closely with the regional councils to address any compliance issues. Yes
there’s going to be some short term pain but moving to a more transparent and realistic irrigation module will
eventually deliver better results for all irrigators,” says Mr Curtis.
Irrigating farmers need to understand the data requirements for OVERSEER 6.2 as they are different.
While the new irrigation module will include backward compatibility for reading files, irrigators need to update their
files to truly reflect their management practices,” Dr Read says.
Full information and technical notes for OVERSEER 6.2 are now available on the OVERSEER website www.overseer.org.nz . The new look OVERSEER website has also be the subject of conversation at the Roadshow.
“Our aim is to provide more accessible information about OVERSEER and a dedicated portal for users to seek specific
information and support,” says Dr Read.
“Other than the new look and feel, the introduction of the helpdesk through My OVERSEER will be a significant change to
the OVERSEER experience. While users will have to register to use the helpdesk and portal, they will then be able to
track progress on their queries and easily search advice and support information,” she says.
ENDS